Norfolk Southern plans $2 billion for 2013 capital investment

"Our capital plan will maintain the safety and quality of our existing franchise, improve service quality and performance, achieve operational efficiencies and productivity improvements and support business growth," said Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman. "We continue to invest in the infrastructure, equipment and technology necessary to provide the best possible service to our customers."

The largest expenditure will be $831 million for roadway improvements, including the maintenance and replacement of rail, crossties, ballast and bridges to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the railroad.

NS has budgeted $229 million, about 11 percent of the 2013 budget, for the continued implementation of positive train control.

Investments in facilities and terminals are anticipated to be $203 million and include the continuation of a multi-year project to expand Bellevue rail yard in northern Ohio; construction of a new intermodal terminal in Charlotte, N.C., as part of Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor initiative; completion of a new locomotive service facility in Conway, Pa. and new and expanded bulk transfer facilities.

Norfolk Southern also expects to spend $84 million in infrastructure improvements to increase mainline capacity, accommodate traffic growth and provide NS' match for innovative public-private partnership investments such as Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) program and the Crescent Corridor, which will improve the nation's transportation infrastructure, reduce fuel consumption and air pollution and relieve highway congestion by moving freight off highways onto rail.

Technology investments of $57 million are planned for new and upgraded systems and computers.